Often referred to as the ‘Venice Of The East’, The City Of Lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur.
History
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II in the fertile circular Girwa Valley on the Banas River, southwest of Nagda. The city was designated as the Mewar kingdom’s new capital.
This region already had a thriving trading town, Ayad, which had served as Mewar’s capital from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Akbar arrived in Udaipur in September 1576 and stayed for six months until May 1577.
Rana Amar Singh accepted vassalship to Mughal rule under Emperor Jahangir in 1615, and Udaipur remained the state’s capital until it became a princely state of British India in 1818. Despite intense pressure, Udaipur remained free of Mughal influence due to its mountainous terrain and inability to accommodate heavily armored Mughal horses.
At present, Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar is the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty.
Culture
Udaipur has a rich cultural heritage, including lakes, temples, massive forts, and palaces.
The dynamic and vibrant dances of Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachchhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya, and Terahtaali enliven Udaipur’s rich cultural heritage.
The music is primarily composed of morchang, naad, tanpura, and sarangi, among other instruments.
Miniature paintings are among the most famous paintings created under the patronage of Rajasthan’s rulers.
The Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal institute, with its museum, serves as a platform for displaying Rajasthani culture. Dresses, tribal jewelry, turbans, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings, and puppets are among the items on display at the museum.
Festivals
Gangaur Festival – It is observed in some form or another throughout Rajasthan. Gangaur is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness and celebrates marriage.
Shilpgram Utsav – Shilpgram, a crafts village 3 kilometers west of Lake Fateh Sagar, features traditional houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra. Demonstrations by musicians, dancers, and artisans from these states are also held.
Hariyali Amavasya – Hariyali Amavasya (the new moon day of the Sawan / Shravan month) heralds the start of the monsoon season and greenery. It arrives three days prior to the well-known Hartalika Teej.
Jagannath Rath Yatra – The Ratha-Yatra is held on 21st June in Udaipur on the auspicious day of Ashadh Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Dwitiya. The temple’s presiding Hindu gods, Jagannath (Krishna), Balabhadra (Balarama), and their sister Subhadra, are paraded through the streets in decorated wooden chariots made each year.
Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi – Gyaras, or Ekadashi, is the 11th day of each waxing (Shukla paksha) and waning moon in the Hindu calendar. This Ekadashi, also known as Jal-Jhulni Gyaras or Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, is celebrated with zeal, as are all other festivals.